Good times were had by all at Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery’s blogger dinner last Thursday night at the Wildfire restaurant in Chicago.   Our guests noshed on some of the best gluten-free dining Chicago has to offer.  Wildfire created a custom gluten-free menu for the Rudi’s crew that included the new Rudi’s Gluten-Free Hamburger buns.  We received rave reviews on the new gluten-free buns, and it was clean plates across the table!

Along with Doug (VP of Marketing at Rudi’s) and team, attendees included Shirley Braden (Gluten-Free Easily), Silvana Nardone (Dish Towel Diaries/Silvana’s Kitchen ), Heidi Kelly (Adventures of a Gluten-Free Mom), Betsy Thompson (Gluten-Free Betsy), Andrea McCarthy (Rocking Gluten-Free),  Joel Schaefer and Mary Schaefer (Allergy Chefs, Inc.),  and Brittany Angell (Real Sustenance).  We enjoyed catching up with all of our gluten-free blogger friends.  Lots of laughs and sharing of stories.  I don’t think there was a moment of silence!

Carol M. Shilson, executive director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, addressed the group. The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center is at the forefront of research and professional education regarding Celiac Disease.  Carol has celiac disease herself and has been advocate for many years.  The center is doing groundbreaking research and it was a real treat to have Carol and her husband join in the dinner.

Other highlights of the evening included Ruth Hayden, Wildfire Chicago‘s director of training and resident gluten-free expert.  She  spoke about Wildfire’s commitment to accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions. If you are gluten-free in Chicago, head to the Wildfire for tasty gluten-free dining! Also on board for the evening was Rich Angell, of After the Film productions, and his film crew. They were in town working on a gluten-free documentary for PBS.  We were honored that they stopped by.

Highlights of the menu included Wildfire’s signature gluten-free pizza.  Wildfire’s homemade gluten-free pizza crust was topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato & basil.  Mmm, delish!

They offered a choice of Black Angus burger, turkey burger, or Portabello mushroom & goat cheese sandwich.  All served on the new Rudi’s Gluten-Free Hamburger Buns.

Dinner concluded with Flourless Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream and  hot fudge!  It was a sweet ending to a wonderful night.